Creamy orange Jello salad is a simple, old-fashioned dish that you can now enjoy with a healthy twist. This recipe uses sugar-free orange Jello, fresh whipped cream, cottage cheese, mandarin oranges, pineapple chunks, and chopped pecans to create a dessert that’s both satisfying and guilt-free. It’s packed with protein and filling fats, making a small portion enough to satisfy your sweet tooth. This dish is perfect for potlucks or a personal treat, and it holds up well in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
Ingredients for Keto Orange Fluff
Here's what you'll need to create this delightful keto-friendly dessert:
- Sugar-free orange flavored gelatin or Jello: Look for brands sweetened with stevia extract and erythritol.
- Mandarin oranges: These small, subtly sweet oranges add the perfect amount of citrus flavor. Be sure to drain them well.
- Pineapple chunks: Dice your own pineapple for the best flavor and to control the size of the chunks.
- Nuts: Pecans or walnuts add a delicious crunch. Omit if nut allergies are a concern.
- Heavy whipping cream: Real whipping cream makes a difference in taste and texture.
- Cottage cheese: Adds depth and natural protein to the salad.
Preparing the Orange Jello Salad
Making this orange Jello salad is incredibly easy. Here's a step-by-step guide:
- Whip the Cream: Use a hand mixer with a whisk attachment or regular beaters. For best results, chill the beaters and mixing bowl in the refrigerator or freezer beforehand. This helps the fat cling together, creating a light and fluffy texture.
- Add Gelatin: Slowly add the orange gelatin as you whip the cream. For a brighter color, add a couple of drops of food coloring, though it's optional.
- Fold in Other Ingredients: Once the whipped cream is creamy, gently fold in the cottage cheese, pineapple chunks, mandarin oranges, and pecans.
- Chill: Store the salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
Tips for the Perfect Keto Orange Fluff
- Blot the Fruit: Pat the mandarin oranges and pineapple with paper towels before folding them into the whipped cream to prevent weeping.
- Cottage Cheese: Small curd, full-fat cottage cheese is recommended, but any variety works. If you prefer to omit it, reduce the whipping cream to one cup.
- Gelatin as a Stabilizer: The orange gelatin helps the whipped cream maintain its fluffy texture for days.
Can You Freeze Orange Jello Salad?
Yes, you can freeze this salad for up to 3 months in airtight, freezable containers. Consider dividing it into individual portions for a quick treat.
Serving Suggestions
This orange Jello salad pairs well with various dishes. Here are a few ideas:
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- Grilled Ribeye Steak: A hearty meal ready in under 15 minutes.
- Teriyaki Turkey Burgers: If you're dicing fresh pineapple for the salad, add this recipe to your menu.
- Bacon Wrapped Barbecue Chicken: Incorporate fresh pineapple by grilling pineapple skewers.
- Grilled Pork Chops: A simple protein option.
Serve it as a side dish or a dessert, depending on your preference.
Keto Orange Cheesecake Mousse
If you're in the mood for something similar but different, try this keto orange cheesecake mousse:
- Ingredients: Heavy cream, cream cheese, sugar-free sweetener, orange extract, and gelatin.
- Instructions:
- Beat cream cheese until smooth.
- Mix gelatin with boiling water until dissolved.
- Slowly add the gelatin mixture to the cream cheese and mix well.
- Stir in whipped cream, being careful not to overbeat.
- Chill for 20-30 minutes before serving.
- Garnish with whipped topping, an orange slice, and orange zest.
Orange Keto Fluff Salad
This variation includes sugar-free orange marshmallows and coconut flakes for a fun twist. It’s a low-carb take on a classic orange Jello salad with mandarin oranges, coconut, whipped cream, orange Jello, and marshmallows.
Low Carb Orange Fluff Salad
Bring it to potluck dinners, Little League games, and Tupperware parties alike. Everyone will love it. And each serving has just 269 calories and 6g net carbs so you can eat it with a guilt-free conscience. Boring old Jell-O gets a major upgrade with the addition of full fat Greek yogurt. Simple flavors, simple steps… This really isn’t a recipe at all. You can also add fresh fruit or some fresh whipped cream over the top if you’d like, to give it a little added flourish. Definitely look for full fat Greek yogurt. Don’t forget to subscribe to our blog, if you haven’t already. We plan on releasing keto content that will be exclusive for blog subscribers. Also feel free to share this recipe with family and friends! In a small bowl combine gelatin powder and boiling water, and whisk to combine.In a blender combine hot gelatin mixture, cold water, ice, and zest/extract.Add in yogurt. Blend for at least 30 seconds or more. Pour into four 8 oz. dessert dishes, or one larger bowl.Chill 2 hours, or overnight.
General Tips for Making Cheesecake Fluff
- Use a Piping Bag: Makes the process easier and neater.
- Don’t Overmix: Be careful when beating ingredients like cream cheese and heavy cream to avoid overmixing.
- Freezing: You can freeze creamsicle cheesecake fluff for up to 2-3 months.
Other Flavors and Variations
This recipe is versatile and can be adapted to different flavors. Try using sugar-free lemon Jello and lemon/lime soda for a lemon chiffon version. You can also experiment with other sugar-free Jello flavors and complementary fruits.
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